Following the volunteer gig, I took a quick detour to Woodbury, CT – home of the Connecticut Antique Trail (more below). Today was spent primarily outdoors at downtown Hartford’s Bushnell Park – which is the oldest publicly funded park in the U.S. (dates back to 1850).

Also while at the park, I took a stroll over to Connecticut’s beautiful Statehouse which is located just south of Bushnell Park. The Connecticut state capitol building was designed in the High Victorian Gothic style by architect Richard Michell Upjohn in 1874 — it’s absolutely stunning.

And now for the three things…

The Connecticut Antique Trail

On my way back to Hartford from Newtown yesterday, I saw signs for Woodbury, CT and the Connecticut Antique Trail. The Trail – which has more than 35 antique shops, bed and breakfasts, diners and quaint restaurants – is beautiful. Set in the rolling Litchfield Hills, I just fell in love with the rustic country setting. I’m an urban girl at heart for sure, but there’s something so relaxing about being in the country. (It reminded me a lot of the home Matt and I rented in Jersey Township, Ohio. It was a 200-year-old farm house. We loved that house! I’ll have to share some stories and photos from that place at a later time!) Anyways, if you’re a fan of antiques and in CT, be sure to check out the Trail.

Ralph Lauren Logo Button Up

It’s no secret one of my all-time favorite brands is Ralph Lauren. I typically try to get my Ralph Lauren gear at Macy’s, T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s for the great discounts. I grabbed this button up shirt just the other day. I fell in love with it right away – originally $80, got it for $35 at T.J. Maxx. It reminds me a lot of this jacket I got at a consignment shop awhile back.

Jersey Boys

Simply put, if you haven’t seen Jersey Boys on Broadway, go. Just go. You won’t regret it. Hands down it’s one of the best musicals I’ve seen. My mom and I went to see it when she was in town a few weeks ago. It’s the story is of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Anyways, just go. Trust me!

And bonus love…

ESPN’s SportsNation filmed in Bristol this week (usually they film in LA). A few colleagues and I sat in on the taping (they usually pull in a few folks for a little audience). Anyways, here’s a screen grab of when it aired…I’m in the pink skirt bottom right – sitting next to Eric Mangini. Ha!

Have a great week! I’m looking forward to heading home this upcoming weekend to visit Matt and our fur-kids.